Election for Tura’s Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi Committee held after almost 8 years

Tura, Oct 19: The election to constitute a new working committee for the Tura’s Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi Committee (HSBC) were held on Saturday, marking the first election in nearly eight years.

With a total of 14,790 eligible voters in North Tura and South Tura, the election saw a turnout of 5,558 voters, a participation rate of 37.10%. Large crowds had gathered at the polling stations since morning, with many hoping the polling percentage to be around 70-80 mark. However, the excitement wanted by afternoon with many not turning up to cast their vote.

Shamshan Bhoomi

Among the participants, 2,941 males (38.10%) and 2,617 females (36.91%) cast their votes across two polling stations set up at Pechon A. Sangma Memorial Police Public Secondary School and Tura Government College.

There are three teams in contention to take over the management of the cremation ground. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 21.

Shamshan Bhoomi

The West Garo Hills District administration had made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth electoral process, adhering to the directions issued by the Meghalaya High Court. The court mandated the elections to elect new members of the Executive Committee by secret ballot, specifically for the Hindu community of Tura and its adjoining areas.

Additionally, the Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills was nominated in an unofficial capacity to act as the Returning Officer, while the District Magistrate was tasked with overseeing the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The elections come after the HSBC, established for many decades, has faced challenges due to the absence of a functional committee. The last election, scheduled for 2016-17, did not take place, leading to the deterioration of the crematorium grounds. This has led to the cremation ground turning into a jungle with overgrown plants covering the entire area with additional issues like broken stairs, lack of amenities like seating arrangements and water dispensers, absence of electricity and public lighting, and inadequate toilet facilities.

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